On July 29, 2025, Homeless ID Project hosted its first-ever Sleep Out—an overnight event that invited community leaders, board members, and advocates to spend one night outside in solidarity with individuals experiencing homelessness. Held near the Campus of one of Phoenix’s largest homeless service providers, the Sleep Out event was a powerful reminder of the struggles thousands face every night in our community.
What Is the Sleep Out?
The Sleep Out isn’t a fundraiser; it’s an awareness campaign designed to highlight the growing need for services and support for people experiencing homelessness in Arizona. Participants came together with sleeping bags, tents, and a shared purpose: to shine a light on the daily reality of those without safe and stable shelter.
Throughout the evening, live interviews were streamed on our Facebook page, where community partners, staff members, and past clients shared their perspectives on homelessness and the critical role of identification services. As we heard time and again, access to ID is often the first step out of homelessness.
Homelessness Is Up, and Funding Is Down
We’re living through a time where homelessness is rising across Arizona, but funding for solutions is not keeping pace. Without identification, people can’t access housing, medical care, employment, or even food programs. That’s why the Homeless ID Project exists—to eliminate barriers and offer hope.
The funds raised during the Sleep Out 2025 go directly toward helping clients obtain state-issued IDs and vital records like birth certificates. These are not just pieces of paper—they are the key to dignity, opportunity, and a better future.
The Sleep Out In the News
The impact of the Sleep Out reached beyond the parking lot. News outlets ABC15 and KTAR covered the event, sharing the voices of participants and emphasizing the reality that homelessness is up and funding is down. Their coverage helped amplify the mission of Homeless ID Project to thousands across Arizona.
A Community United
We were honored to be joined by community partners from organizations like St. Joseph the Worker, CASS, Circle the City, and Elaine. Their collaboration helps us meet people where they are and provide wraparound support.
Whether it’s connecting clients to job training, transitional housing, or medical services, we work with partners to create pathways out of homelessness, starting with identification.
How You Can Help
If you missed the Sleep Out, it’s not too late to get involved:
- Watch our live interviews and coverage on Facebook.
- Donate today—even a $40 gift helps provide one person with an ID.
- Share our message using the hashtag #SleepOutAZ.
- Learn about the Arizona Tax Credit and tell your tax dollars where to go.
Together, we can change lives, one ID at a time.
Final Thoughts
The Sleep Out 2025 was more than symbolic—it was a wake-up call. For one night, participants gave up comfort to stand in solidarity with those who don’t have a choice. The experience was humbling, eye-opening, and deeply motivating.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep working toward a future where everyone has the identification they need—and the dignity they deserve.
